We are sure you are looking forward to your next trip to the African continent if you’re reading this article! As a result, we want to recommend Kenya as a fantastic vacation destination. Kenya is an excellent destination for wildlife enthusiasts. Take a safari in the Amboseli National Reserve and explore this one-of-a-kind location. Mount Kilimanjaro, one of Africa's most impressive mountains, can also be seen. We are ready to help you with your travel documents.
Citizens of Sri Lanka must obtain a Kenya visa if they are traveling to Kenya. Kenya Immigration Services have the simplicity, speed, and security to help you travel to Kenya without any issues.
Kenyan authorities have recently changed their entry requirements. Previously, you had to apply for an e-visa before you arrived. This has now been replaced by an electronic travel authorization (ETA), but you will still need to apply for an ETA before you arrive in the country.
We have displayed all the information about the Kenya ETA/visa requirements for Sri Lankan passports in the following lines.
1. What is the Kenya ETA ( previously the eVisa) for Sri Lankan passport holders:
Kenya is now visa-free. Instead of a visa, all travellers need an electronic travel authorisation (eTA) and it's valid for tourism, business, medical, and transit
Kenya's electronic travel authorization (ETA) eliminate the need to visit a consulate or embassy in person. Kenya eTA can be easily applied for and obtained using a smartphone, tablet, or computer.
Kenya eTA ( previously the eVisa) for Sri Lankan passport holders is a semi-automated system that verifies visitors' eligibility for travel to Kenya. An eTA grants authorization to travel and is issued by the Government of the Republic of Kenya. An eTA does not decide whether a visitor is allowed to enter Kenya. When passengers arrive, immigration authorities will assess their admissibility.
Getting a Kenya visa waiver from Sri Lanka through the automated system is quick and easy.
The Kenya ETA for Sri Lankans is valid for 90 days from the date of issue. You can stay in Kenya for up to 90 days within this validity period.
Citizens traveling to Kenya for other purposes such as to work are required to contact a Kenya embassy in Sri Lanka
Types of eTA in Kenya:
There are four types of Kenya e-Visas available to Sri Lankan:
- Kenya tourist e-visa: If you plan to stay in Kenya for more than a few days, the Tourist E-Visa is a great option. Sri Lankan visitors can use this E-Visa to relax, visit friends and family in Kenya, or simply explore the sights. When you arrive in Kenya, you'll have plenty of time to see everything this beautiful country has to offer. The Tourist E-Visa allows you to stay in Kenya for up to 90 days from the date of your arrival with single entry.
- Transit e-visa: this type of e-visa is used when you need to transit through Kenya territory. With this type of e-visa, you can stay in Kenya within 72 hours from the time of your arrival.
- Business e-visa: this e-visa type is used when you need to enter Kenya for business purposes. When using a business e-visa, you can stay in Kenya for up to 90 days from the date of your arrival with single-entry.
- East Africa Tourist e-visa: this is a deluxe type of e-visa that helps you enter 03 countries in total: Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda. By using this type of e-visa, you can stay in those countries for up to 90 days with multiple entries between 03 nations.
2. Kenya eTA/Evisa requirements for Sri Lankan citizens:
Those planning to apply for a Kenya visa waiver should first review the travel conditions for Sri Lankan citizens before beginning the application process. They will learn which countries they can visit with an online eTA and how to apply properly.
Kenya eTA requirements for Sri Lankan citizens include the following:
- A legal passport issued by the Sri Lankan government that is valid for at least 06 months from the date of your arrival and a blank page for verification markings.
- A scanned copy of your passport biographical information page and a portrait photo of yourself.
- An email address to receive your eTA result.
- Flight ticket/round-trip ticket (for transit and East Africa eTA): you will be required to provide your flight document in general as evidence to prove you will not overstay Kenya for any other reason.
Before beginning their eTA application, Sri Lankan citizens must consider the validity of their passports. If their passport expires within 6 months of their arrival date in Kenya, we recommend that they renew their passport first.
Because the entire application process is completed online, we recommend submitting the eTA with an accessible email address and ensuring that the digital images required are of readable quality. They should also ensure that the bank card they intend to use for payment is set up for online payments.
Sri Lankans planning a family trip to Kenya should be aware that they can include their dependents (spouse, children, or relatives over 60) in a joint eTA form. They will be required to submit additional documentation, such as marriage and birth certificates.
3. How to apply for a Kenya visa waiver from Sri Lanka:
Kenyan online eTA application for Sri Lankan passports is a quick and easy process. The eTA application is offered to passport holders from all countries as long as the requirements are met.
Sri Lankan passport holders can apply for a Kenya eTA online in 3 steps:
- Step 1: Fill out the Kenya eTA application form
- Step 2: Review and confirm payment of eTA fees
- Step 3: Print out Kenya eTA for Sri Lankan passports
Read more: How to get Kenya online eTA
It's critical to double-check all the information on your Kenya eTA application form, as inaccuracies or errors can result in the delay or rejection of your electronic tourist eTA to Kenya
After everything has been submitted and the payment has been received, the application will be reviewed by the appropriate authorities. After being cleared by security, Kenyan eTA is emailed to the provided email address in PDF format.
Kenya eTA Processing Time From Sri Lanka
When submitted online, the Kenya eTA from Sri Lanka is frequently delivered within 24 hours. As a result, the eTA is the preferred method of obtaining a tourist eTA.
However, the eTA may take a little longer to approve on occasion. In these cases, the eTA will be approved and delivered within three business days.
As a result, applicants should plan their trip so that each eTA can be approved and delivered. Kenya eTA for Sri Lankan will be emailed to you as a PDF.
4. Kenya eTA ( previously the eVisa) fees for Sri Lankan:
Kenya ETA fees depends on the type of visa that Sri Lankan applicants apply for electronic visa. The fees of an electronic visa are generally lower than a traditional embassy visa. Sri Lankan passport holders pay the Kenya e-Visa fees securely online using a debit or credit card, Visa, American Express, PayPal, or Wire Transfer to our Cyprus bank account
To apply for a Kenya visa waiver from Sri Lanka, you have to pay two (02) kinds of eTA Fee, which were called Service Fee and Government Fee. In addition, we recommend that you should buy Kenya travel insurance
In addition, we give you three options so that you can select the one that best suits your needs. They are as follows:
- Normal: you will receive a basic service that can help you get your eTA within 03 business days.
- Urgent: a higher state of service that can help you get your eTA within 24 hours.
- Super Urgent: this is the highest priority for you. With this type of service, you will receive your eTA within just 05 business hours.
Payment method: after choosing your suitable type of service, you will pay your total fee in 02 ways: electronic payment (Visa, MasterCard, Amex, or Paypal) and wire transfer (HSBC direct bank transaction).
In addition, we also provide other service packages to help customers have a safe and time-saving trip when coming to Kenya, including Kenya travel insurance, Kenya travel Sim, and Car Pick-up service in Kenya.
Kenya Visa Requirements for Sri Lanka Citizens FAQs
Do Sri Lankan Citizens Need A Visa For Kenya?
No. Sri Lankan citizens don’t need a visa to travel to Kenya. Kenya repealed visa requirements for all foreign nationals wanting to visit Kenya by the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration (Amendment) Regulations, 2023, which were gazetted on January 2, 2024. Except for foreigners who have been excused from acquiring an eTA, all visitors to Kenya must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before entering the country.
The Kenya ETA is an official Electronic Travel Authorisation. Passport holders from most countries need the ETA to visit Kenya for tourism or business.
The Electronic Travel Authorisation simplifies the visa application process for Kenya. Sri Lankan foreigners can complete the online ETA form in minutes.
Standard processing delivers the approved authorization in 5 hours to 3 business days. Kenya ETA is valid for stays of up to 90 days for tourism, business, and transit purposes
What to wear as a female tourist in Kenya?
If you don't want to upset the natives, dress modestly. This implies you should avoid wearing shorts or skirts that are cut above the knee. It also entails wearing clothes that conceal your shoulders and cleavage.
Loosely fitting jeans and shirts are a good choice for walking to the streets and public marketplaces. When entering a religious facility, such as a church or mosque, you must exercise particular caution because the restrictions are stricter here. You do not want to get booted out for being inadequately dressed.
If you are at your hotel or in your tour van, you may relax and not worry because you will not encounter many locals in this environment.
What not to carry at the airport in Kenya?
Before leaving for the airport, inquire with your airline about particular baggage regulations, as well as the maximum size and weight limits for checked and carry-on bags.
Small, lightweight things (non-pointed umbrellas, purses, cameras, etc.) can be brought into the airplane cabin as hand baggage if they do not exceed the size and weight limits specified on the ticket.
For security concerns, several things are prohibited in the airplane cabin. These things must be checked in as hold baggage. These artifacts include the following:
- Liquids - When passing through security checkpoints in European Union airports, passengers are limited to the amount of liquids or substances of a similar consistency they can carry on their person.
- Firearms and weaponry in general.
- Weapons or things having sharp tips or edges.
- Blunt instruments.
- Substances that are explosive and inflammable.
- Chemical and toxic substances.
Although it may surprise you, several seemingly innocent things might be hazardous on an airplane if carried in your luggage.
An airplane isn't like a car. During the flight, temperature and pressure fluctuations, as well as the movement of the aircraft itself, may induce liquid leaks or the igniting of specific products. As a result, you must not, for example, bring the following items in your luggage:
- Explosives (including detonators, fuses, grenades, mines and pyrotechnic products).
- Gas: propane, butane (including small camping gas tanks).
- Flammable liquids (including gasoline, methanol, paint, solvents, glue and lighter fuel).
- Solid flammable or reactive substances (including magnesium, matches and lighters, fireworks and flares).
- Oxidizing agents and organic peroxides (such as bleaches and abrasives).
- Toxic or infectious substances (rat poison, infected blood).
- Radioactive materials (including isotopes for medical or commercial purposes).
- Corrosive materials (such as car batteries).
- Engine parts containing fuel.
Is tap water safe to drink in Kenya?
Drinking tap water is generally safe for healthy persons, particularly if it comes from a reliable source. The government, via a public system, will notify you of any harmful water conditions. In this instance, you may need to boil the water or use bottled water.
Here are safer alternatives to drinking tap water in Kenya:
- Boil water: Boil tap water for at least one minute to kill harmful bacteria and parasites. Cool before serving.
- Bottled water: Choose bottled water with tight caps from well-known brands. Please make sure the seal is intact before purchasing and eating.
- Filtered water: Consider purchasing a portable water filter or using hotels and restaurants that offer filtered water options.
Remember to remain hydrated, especially in Kenya's warm environment. Following these instructions will guarantee that you have access to safe drinking water throughout your journey.
Is Kenya safe for children?
Traveling across Kenya with children is safe as long as you take the standard measures to keep them out of danger. Children are welcome in restaurants and safari lodges, and taking a safari in Kenya's national parks is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure for them.
Safari trips in Kenya, particularly those in open safari vehicles, are subject to an age limit. Children aged 6 to 12 can attend a safari trip in Kenya at the discretion of the expert game ranger in charge. Younger than that may only participate on a safari trip as part of a private safari party, at the discretion of the game ranger in charge.
Here are some tips for visiting Kenya with Kids:
- If traveling on an overnight flight, look into whether your airline allows you to take inflatable travel footrests. This helps youngsters be comfortable on an airline and sleep longer.
- If you're traveling with toddlers or a baby, bring a tiny fold-up travel stroller.
- If you have older children, consider investing in some travel car seats.
- Travel with a comprehensive first aid kit because you will not have access to medical services while on safari, and having a strange belly on the bus will not be enjoyable!
- When planning a visit to Kenya with children, be sure to include both action and rest time in each day. Keep your days interesting and organize trips. For example, if you've planned a safari, be sure to also visit a Maasai Village or a local school. Children also require everyday opportunities to play with toys or in the pool. You will also discover that you must include a few days of downtime in your vacation itinerary or you will become fatigued!
- Allow employees to assist you. It is usual for Kenyan families to have help with their children, and they will frequently have specialized staff to play with them while you rest. Even if it's just for one hour.
- You can easily buy diapers in Nairobi, Mombasa, and larger shops, so plan to stop by when you arrive.
- If you plan on spending a lot of time in the van or on safari, bring food from home. We all know how much children love to eat while traveling, and nothing beats bringing your favorite snacks with you (they were a lifesaver!)
How to travel to Kenya from Sri Lanka?
Kenya is a fascinating country, full of beautiful natural landscapes, culture, and above all history. The distance between Sri Lanka and Kenya by air is around 6,963 Kilometres (4,327 Miles). Although the geographical distance is quite far, it does not stop the Sri Lankan people from wanting to explore Kenya. To travel from Sri Lanka to Kenya, you generally need to follow these steps:
- Check Kenya ETA Requirements: Sri Lankan citizens need an ETA to enter Kenya. They can't enter Kenya without holding a valid ETA. The Kenya ETA available for tourism allows travelers to visit Kenya for vacation, visit relatives, or participate in cultural, religious, or sporting events. It permits entry for up to 90 days from the date of issue.
- Book Flights: Search for flights from Sri Lanka to Kenya. Kenya's major international airports are Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) and Mombasa's Moi International Airport (MBA). You may book your flights online or through travel companies.
- Passport and Documentation: Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay in Kenya. Carry any relevant papers, including your visa if applicable.
- Vaccinations: Consult your healthcare physician or a travel clinic to see whether any vaccinations or health precautions are required for travel to Kenya.
- Currency: Familiarize yourself with Kenya's currency, the Kenyan Shilling (KES). You may wish to convert currency before your travel or utilize local ATMs after you arrive.
- Accommodation: Make your reservations in advance, especially if you have specific preferences or are traveling during high seasons. You can see more information about the Best Luxury Hotels in Kenya.
- Transportation: Plan your transportation in Kenya, particularly if you intend to move between cities or regions. Depending on your location, you can use local buses, cabs, or fly domestically.
- Local Customs and Culture: Familiarize yourself with local customs and cultural norms in Kenya to ensure a respectful and enjoyable experience.
- Travel Insurance: You should consider buying travel insurance to cover unexpected events such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost luggage.
- Safety Precautions: Stay informed about the safety situation in Kenya and follow any travel advisories issued by your government. Keep emergency contact numbers and important documents secure.
Is my Kenya eTA linked to passport?
Yes, the Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is electronically linked to the passport you used when applying for the eTA. When you apply for a Kenya ETA online, travelers will need to provide your passport details, including your passport number. The eTA will then be electronically linked to that specific passport.
When you visit Kenya, immigration officers will verify your eTA status by reviewing your passport information. It is also critical to ensure that you travel with the same passport that you used when applying for your eTA. If you receive a new passport, you must apply for a new eTA using the information from your new passport.
Please be sure to check your eTA confirmation to make sure they match the information on your passport. If there are discrepancies, they must be corrected before traveling to Kenya.